Image: Jason Hooper/Racer X Online.

Former American Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Champion Josh Strang is confident a transition to Yamaha in the off-season will be an integral step as he aims to regain the title in 2014.

Strang will compete with Rocky Mountain ATV/MC for a second season in the high profile series, switching from Kawasaki to Yamaha during the break after finishing fourth last year.

The season commences this Saturday with the Moose Racing Mud Mucker in Bunnell, Florida, and the Australian enters this year in a positive frame of mind after scoring five podiums during 2013 in a new program.

“I’m really looking forward to this season,” said Strang. “I’ve had a really solid pre-season that included a lot of testing, so I feel very comfortable on the bike and ready to get to racing.

“I’m really glad to have Rocky Mountain ATV/MC supporting me again as my title sponsor, and with additional support from Yamaha, I’m set to have a great season.

“The switch to the Yamaha YZ450F has been great. I felt really comfortable on the bike from the first time I rode it. The factory Yamaha Team has stepped in to help out this year with bike set up and testing, and we’ve got the bike dialed.

“I’m ready to get racing for Rocky Mountain ATV/MC and hopefully get this thing on the top step of the podium.”

Strang finished third in the 2008 GNCC series, second in 2009 and won the title in 2010. The new season is shaping up as his best opportunity yet to regain the crown.